Shadura M. Dynamics of species composition and forage plants reserves of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) in West Polesye forests

The thesis gives a functional appraisal of West Polesye forests in respect of forage and protective conditions for the European roe deer and determines its principal winter feeding stations. Composition, structure and volume of roe deer's diet in wintertime is studied and particulars of damages caused by roe deer to tree and shrub vegetation in forest ranges and plantations are determined. Dynamics of structure, diversity and feeding value of the tree and shrub layer and grass ground cover in felled and burnt areas of various forests is analyzed. Winter forage reserves of forest hunting areas for the European roe deer is determined and effect of discontinuous forest felling on the tree and shrub vegetation reserves is estimated.